Our own Nathan Grubel takes a look at the biggest storylines to come from the 2026 NBA Draft Lottery, including if AJ Dybantsa is the best fit at the top for the Washington Wizards.
I've personally mocked Aday Mara and Ebuka Okorie to the Hawks at both picks, would fill two holes on the team while grabbing an underrated talent at his position in Okorie. Mara would be an excellent true center!
I like that a lot. The more I think about the glut of high level guards - none of whom other than Peterson meaningfully stand out from one another - in contrast to the dearth of high level bigs (Mara being the only true Center-sized C) I think Mara is the play at 8. If they do draft a Guard, I'm hoping the Hawks bet on themselves a bit and use one of their own future firsts to move up from 23 to get another big physical guy like Morez or Quaintance or Yax. Honestly wouldn't hate that move even if they DID take Mara at 8. Could make a strong case that that's better value in combination with a second round Guard.
Any immediate thoughts on what the Hawks should do at 8 and 23?
I've personally mocked Aday Mara and Ebuka Okorie to the Hawks at both picks, would fill two holes on the team while grabbing an underrated talent at his position in Okorie. Mara would be an excellent true center!
I like that a lot. The more I think about the glut of high level guards - none of whom other than Peterson meaningfully stand out from one another - in contrast to the dearth of high level bigs (Mara being the only true Center-sized C) I think Mara is the play at 8. If they do draft a Guard, I'm hoping the Hawks bet on themselves a bit and use one of their own future firsts to move up from 23 to get another big physical guy like Morez or Quaintance or Yax. Honestly wouldn't hate that move even if they DID take Mara at 8. Could make a strong case that that's better value in combination with a second round Guard.